I too have an premonition that Morey will look abroad to acquire our next young big man prospect. Whether it's Valanciunas, Motiejunas, Nogueira or someone else entirely remains to be seen, but I think each of these guys has potential to become a stalwart NBA C for years to come. Nogueira in particular is the furthest away from being NBA ready but man was it fun watching him go up against the USA under-18 (or was it 17?) team in the FIBA championships. Solid kid I think.
I'd like to take a chance on the guy too! Looks like a solid player. However, while watching the highlight video I could not stop thinking about: http://www.nbadraft.net/players/stromile-swift
The way we're playing right now i wouldn't be surprised if we lose the phx-pick and the hopes of drafting someone relevant. But hey, another 1st round exit instead....yay.
Even if we make the playoffs and PHX is lottery-bound, we would still have two first-round picks (both in the top 25). Unless he starts shooting up the draft boards, I think he'll be available for at least our first pick.
The good thing is that the Rockets are in good position with two first round picks. Rockets should draft both Nogueira and Jonas Valanciunas. Both 18 year old centers from Europe and both projected to be in mid 1st first round. I'd say draft them both and leave them overseas for a couple years. Bring them over when you Williams, Budinger, Lowry, 2Pat, etc fully develops.
I would take Valanciunas, then Kanter, then Nogueira. If we take him we'll have three projects (If you count T-Will four, but I think he has a much greater chance to be a player) Hill, Thabeet, and then Nogueira. I would still do it though, with our later first rounder if he is the best player on the board. The kid would need a few years, but I would still go for it with the right draft pick.
Imop we need to grab a young center with the most upside and talent available in the draft at our picks and develope him/them even if it takes a long time for them to contribute at least we have some extra assurance
Personally, I'd like to trade out of the draft completely and get a 2nd impact player next to Kevin Martin. I'm sold on Lowry, Lee, and Martin being our back-court of the future, but I think the 3, 4, and 5 positions could all be upgraded. If we end up keeping the picks, we must draft size. Noqueira appears to have the talent and the size, but clearly he needs to grow into his body, and the thought of another big-man project is daunting. Still, you have to admit, the kid looks special.
I'd prefer Valanciunas he has more offensive potential, but I wouldn't mind drafting Nogueira. He can have a big defensive impact on the game...
